Patrick Ricard (entrepreneur)

Patrick Ricard (born May 12, 1945, Marseille, France; died August 17, 2012, Sainte-Marthe, Marseille) was a French businessman best known for his leadership of the Pernod Ricard company, a global producer of alcoholic beverages.

Ricard took over the reins of the family business, Ricard S.A., founded by his father Paul Ricard, and led its merger with Pernod in 1975, creating Pernod Ricard. He served as CEO of Pernod Ricard from 1978 to 2008 and as Chairman of the Board from 1978 to 2012. During his tenure, Pernod Ricard experienced significant growth through strategic acquisitions, transforming from a primarily French anise-based spirits company into a leading international player in the spirits and wine industry. Key acquisitions under his leadership included Seagram’s wine and spirits business in 2001 (co-acquired with Diageo), Allied Domecq in 2005, and Vin & Sprit (Absolut Vodka) in 2008.

Ricard was credited with a keen understanding of the global spirits market and a talent for integrating acquired brands into the Pernod Ricard portfolio. He was a prominent figure in the French business community and was known for his commitment to innovation and sustainability.